"The Sacred Art of Chant" with Ana Hernandez www.anahermusic.com
WHEN: Saturday
Workshop 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m.
WHERE: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 210 St. Mary's Road, Hillsborough
TICKETS: $40 for the workshop; $15 for the concert; or $50 for both. Tickets can be bought from St. Matthew's Parish Office (919) 732-9308, or at the door.
From staff reports
HILLSBOROUGH -- Sacred sounds and their spiritual effects on mental and physical health, will be explored in the ongoing Faith & the Arts Series at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.
"The Art of Sacred Chant," the second program in the series, will feature composer, arranger and performer Ana Hernandez of Boston, Mass., who travels widely in her work leading workshops, retreats and worship. Hernandez is also a member of the recording group HARC as well as the author of "The Art of Sacred Chant: Preparing to Practice." She will lead a workshop, which includes lunch, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and give a concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.
"This workshop will help us both reflect on the nature of sound as prayer and discern new ways to open our hearts," Hernandez said in a written release.
"We will create a community in which we can investigate the ways sacred sound nurtures our spirit; learn sound spiritual exercises and mantras to enhance our well-being in a unique way; and experience God with and in our voices," she said. "We will learn how sound enhances mental and physical well being through working (and playing!) with our bodies' energy centers, the chakras; and learn simple and powerful sound prayers and mantras from many traditions to incorporate into our prayer lives."
Participants will be able to learn how their voice lives in their body, how to use it to generate health and healing, and how this transformative work can make it possible to bring out the best in all of one's activities. Those who pray with a portable instrument are encouraged to bring it. All are welcome, with or without singing abilities.
A reception and book signing will follow the evening concert.
